In the fall of 2007, I was enjoying an afternoon at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
It was here where I encountered one of the most unique wildlife scenarios of my life. This female mule deer approached me with absolutely no fear and genuine curiosity. Camera always at my side, I began making photographs of this deer. She had no problem with the noise of the camera and allowed me to photograph her from different angles and perspectives. At one point, she even came up and smelled the lens attached to my camera.
This really was a special moment and I was grateful that such a wonderful animal had as much of an interest in me as I did in her.
I have photographed a lot of wildlife. This deer is still the only one that has approached me close enough to smell my camera gear.
Sometimes the wildlife is just as curious as we are.
This image is available for purchase.